What do vaccines and Jesus have in common?
Written by: Nicole Lea, RN, MSN, CPNP
What if the very things we fear are actually the gifts designed to protect us?
The word “overwhelm” can have a negative connotation and this post encourages us to consider a different meaning, a more beautiful and positing one. Let’s walk together and look at 2 important truths about vaccines that are grounded in evidence. True to Hello Eema style, we will also be reflecting on our spiritual health. Specifically, the beautiful reality of the love that is poured out from the heart of Jesus to overwhelm us and encourage us to trust Him.
At a Walking with Purpose Flourish conference
A few weekends ago, the co-author of Nurturing Whole Health: You, Your Baby and God, Dr. Kathryn Italia, and I had the opportunity to share our work at a women’s conference, #WalkingwithPurpose
A grandmother approached our table, excited to hear about our book, something like What to Expect: The First Year, but more! We integrate clinical wisdom and encourage moms to foster spiritual health. She loved that we emphasize caring for both mom and baby, rooted in faith.
Then she brought a friend.
This second grandmother, just as loving and devoted, had a different posture - one of concern. When she learned we are pro-vaccine, she asked:
“Isn’t it too much… giving so many vaccines to a baby? Doesn’t it overwhelm their immune system?”
You could hear the love behind the question. The deep desire to protect.
However, the misinformation is something we hear often and long to redirect in a compassionate and clear way.
(Note, the woman in the blog photo is not the woman who brought up the question)
Truth #1: Vaccines Are Extensively Studied, Monitored, and Life-Saving
There’s a narrative circulating that we don’t have enough data to support the current vaccine schedule.
That’s simply not accurate.
Vaccines are one of the most studied medical interventions in history. They undergo rigorous, multi-step testing before approval, including clinical trials in thousands of participants, and continue to be monitored long after they are in use through multiple national safety systems.
In fact, immunization is recognized as one of the greatest public health achievements, preventing illness, hospitalization, and death on a massive scale.
Vaccines prevent 3.5–5 million deaths globally each year
In the United States alone, childhood vaccines have prevented:
508 million illnesses
32 million hospitalizations
1.1 million deaths
Are there side effects? Yes. Most are mild, like soreness or fever. Rarely, more serious reactions can occur.
However, the benefits must far outweigh the risks - overwhelmingly in a positive way.
Truth #2: Vaccines Do Not Overwhelm the Immune System
This is one of the most common concerns I hear.
Although it is misguided, it does make sense, until we understand the science.
The human immune system is incredibly capable. In fact, it can respond to a very large number of antigens at the same time.
What’s even more surprising?
Even though we vaccinate against more diseases today, the total number of antigens children receive has dramatically decreased over time.
In the 1960s, a single vaccine (pertussis) contained about 3,000 proteins
By 2000, the entire recommended schedule exposed children to fewer than 130 proteins total
Let that sink in.
More protection… with far less immune stimulation.
And studies show that receiving multiple vaccines at once is safe. Delaying or spacing vaccines can actually increase risk, leaving infants vulnerable to serious illness without the protection they need during their most fragile months.
The immune system becomes fully equipped and not negatively overwhelmed.
When Timing Overlaps, We Must Be Careful
One of the hardest realities in pediatric care is this:
Some conditions—neurological differences, developmental delays—begin to show around the same age vaccines are given. But timing does not equal causation.
Research consistently shows no link between vaccines and conditions like autism or other chronic diseases.
These conditions existed long before modern vaccines.
This is why well-child visits with a primary pediatric provider (pediatrician or nurse practitioner) are so vital. The care provider can help with early recognition and proper care.
Jesus wants His love to pour out and overwhelm us
As I reflected on that conversation, something deeper stirred in my heart.
How often do we do the same thing with Jesus?
He wants to pour out His love with abundance, generosity and grace.
And yet we say:
“That’s too much.”
“I don’t know if I can trust that.”
“What if it overwhelms me?”
So we hold Him at arm’s length.
Not because He isn’t good…
But because vulnerability feels risky.
Truth About the Love of our Savior: Protection
Just as vaccines are designed to protect and not harm, Jesus’s love is designed to do the same.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
When he was speaking to his disciples, before he asked them to believe in him, he told them to not let their hearts be troubled. Jesus never did and never will force himself on us. He invites us.
Just like we have a decision regarding vaccinations, we have a decision about our relationship with our Lord. We can choose to lean in, learn more and to be overwhelmed by His love and grace or we can choose to push back and remain guarded.
He longs for us to lean in and receive his love. He longs for us to experience true peace.
“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7
The Invitation: Seek Truth, Not Fear
My sweet sisters,
You are called to care for your children and advocate for them with wisdom and to not make decisions out of fear or misinformation.
Seek credible, peer-reviewed research
Ask thoughtful questions
Be discerning about what you read
Lean into truth, not noise
Because fear complicates.
Truth clarifies.
Let’s choose to be overwhelmed with His love
What if we leaned in?
What if we trusted a little more? In the science that has been carefully studied…
and in our Savior that wants to pour out his love?
Because nurturing whole health, for you and your baby, means caring for the heart, mind, body and soul.
Nurturing Whole Health…Uniting faith and clinical wisdom to help moms confidently care for God’s children.
Reference:
Zauche, L. H., Miller, E. R., Kim, S. S., Jazwa, A., & Shay, D. K. (2026). Monitoring vaccine safety: United States vaccine safety surveillance systems. Journal of Pediatric Health Care: Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners, 40(1), 174–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2025.07.016
Scripture passages and reflections referenced from The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE),
For more practical tips and spiritual encouragement, check out our first book: Nurturing Whole Health: You, Your Baby and God in the First Year.
Written from the perspective of a pediatric nurse practitioner and mother, this article blends evidence-based pediatric guidance with faith-centered encouragement to support families during the Christmas season.
Hello Eema’s Mission
Hello Eema understands that true wellness encompasses both body and spirit. Drawing from our medical backgrounds and experiences as mothers, we offer a unique perspective where faith and healthcare converge. We believe that nurturing whole health begins with understanding our identity in Christ. This identity forms the foundation from which we can care for ourselves and our families physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
The name Eema comes from what Jesus calls Mary in The Chosen. It’s a tender reminder that we’re all beloved daughters of God, following in our Heavenly Mother’s footsteps. “Hello” is our greeting of recognition and hope: You are seen and not alone.
Join us at Hello Eemaand know we’re honored to walk with you.